Modal Verbs for Requests

Modal verbs are used in English to make polite requests. The lesson below shows you how to use modal verbs for requests can help you communicate in English.

Can & Could

Can and Could are modal verbs used to make requests. Here is the structure:

Can/Could + Subject + Verb

Examples:

Can you pass the salt please?
Could you bring your book tomorrow?

Can and Could are used differently. Can is less polite than Could.

Can is used to make basic requests from a friend or co-worker. It is often used for small things.

Can you pass the juice?
Can you turn off the air conditioner?

Could is more polite than can, but has the same function:

Could you pass the juice please?
Could you help me with my homework Mr. Johnston?

Would

Would is used to make polite requests in English. The structure is as follows:

Would you mind + Verb + ING

Examples:

Would you mind closing the door?
Would you mind turning down the radio?

You can also say “do you mind”, but “would you mind” is more polite:

Do you mind turning off the music?
Would you mind turning off the music?

Would can also be used to make polite requests with the verb “like”.

I would like another drink please.
I would like some help with my math homework please.

This is the same as using the verb “want”. However, Would is more polite.

I want a drink.
I would like a drink.

These types of requests are more common when ordering something. Take a look at these examples:

I would like rice with my chicken.
I would like another Coke please.